Vatican Museums Ticket and Tour FAQs

Both reservations and walk-up tickets are available for tours of the Vatican.

It is highly recommended to book your tour or tickets in advance, as the number of visitors allowed inside the Vatican Museums is limited each day. This can help to avoid long lines and ensure that you are able to secure a spot on the tour you want.

Reservations are available online through our website.

However, it is also possible to purchase tickets on the day of the visit, but it is not guaranteed that you will be able to enter on the day you visit.

Additionally, some popular tours such as the “Vatican Private Tour” or the “Vatican Night Tour” usually require a reservation in advance.

It is also important to note that on some days the Vatican Museums are closed, such as on Sundays (except the last Sunday of each month, when the museums are open and free of charge) and on religious holidays.

The duration of a Vatican tour can vary depending on the type of tour you choose. A standard tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel typically lasts around 2-3 hours.

Guided tours may last longer and can include additional stops such as St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Gardens, or special exhibitions.

The standard tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel typically includes:

• Access to the Vatican Museums and Galleries which house one of the largest and most important art collections in the world, with works from ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, as well as masterpieces from the Renaissance and Baroque periods.
• Visit the famous Sistine Chapel, where you can admire Michelangelo’s magnificent frescoes on the ceiling and on the altar wall.

Some guided tours may also include:

• Entrance to St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the most important religious sites in the world, where you can see famous works of art such as the Pietà by Michelangelo and the Baldacchino by Bernini.
• A visit to the Vatican Gardens, which covers more than 50 acres and includes beautiful gardens, fountains, and sculptures.
• Access to special exhibitions or museums within the Vatican.

It’s important to check the tour description and itinerary to know exactly what is included in the tour you choose.

Yes, there are certain restrictions on what can be worn and brought into the Vatican.

Regarding clothing, the Vatican has a strict dress code that must be followed:

• Visitors must dress modestly and cover their shoulders and legs (no shorts, miniskirts, or revealing tops).
• Hats or head coverings must be removed when entering the Basilica.
• Visitors are not allowed to wear clothes with offensive messages or images.

Regarding bags and personal items, the following restrictions apply:

• Large bags, backpacks, and umbrellas must be left at the baggage deposit located outside the Vatican Museums.
• Smaller bags and handbags are allowed but may be subject to security checks.
• Tripods, selfie sticks, and large cameras are not allowed inside the Vatican Museums, but small cameras are permitted.
• Food and drinks are not allowed inside the Vatican Museums, except for water in a sealed bottle.

It’s important to note that these restrictions may change based on the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s always recommended to check the official Vatican Museums website for the most updated information. Or call us.

Yes, audio guides are available in multiple languages at the Vatican Museums. Audio guides are often included with the cost of a tour, but may also be available for rent separately.

Languages typically offered include English, Italian, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Russian, Chinese, and Japanese, among others.

It’s important to check the tour description and itinerary for the most up-to-date information on the availability of audio guides in different languages.

It’s also possible to rent the audio guide on the spot at the Vatican Museums, but it’s best to check the availability of the language you need before you go.

Alternatively, our tour also offers guided tours in multiple languages, this way you can enjoy the tour with a guide that speaks your language.

Yes, there are special tours and access available for those with mobility challenges at the Vatican Museums.

The Vatican Museums offer an adapted route for visitors with limited mobility, which allows them to visit the most important sections of the museums and the Sistine Chapel.

The route is accessible by wheelchair and includes ramps and elevators.

Additionally, the Vatican Museums have a wheelchair loan service, a service that allows visitors with mobility issues to borrow a wheelchair free of charge.

It’s recommended to contact the Vatican Museums in advance to request the adapted route or to reserve a wheelchair, as the number of wheelchairs available is limited.

It’s also important to note that due to the nature of the Vatican’s historical buildings, some areas may not be fully accessible and may present some difficulties for those with mobility issues.

It’s always recommended to contact us for the most updated information about accessibility and to plan accordingly.

Disabled visitors may be eligible for free entry to the Vatican Museums and reduced-price tickets for accompanying persons, but it depends on the type of disability and the documentation provided.

Visitors with disabilities and one companion are eligible for free admission to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica.

To obtain the free entry ticket, the visitor with a disability must present a valid ID that shows their disability status and a document showing the degree of disability (issued by the appropriate local authority in the visitor’s country of residence).

It’s recommended to check the official Vatican Museums website for the most up-to-date information on the documentation required, as well as the terms and conditions for obtaining a free entry ticket for disabled visitors.

Also, you can buy free entry tickets at the Vatican Museums’ ticket office, but it’s best to check the availability before you go.

Yes, there are special discounts and deals available for students at the Vatican Museums.

Student Discount: Full-time students are eligible for a reduced-price ticket (under 25 years) for the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. A valid student ID and a legal document are required.

Children Discount: Children ages under 6 can avail of Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel free of charge. And young tourists (6 to 18 years old) can avail of discounts.

EU Citizen Discount: EU citizens can avail of reduced ticket prices who ages between 18 to 25 years old.

It’s recommended to check the website for the most up-to-date information on discounts and deals available for students.

Yes, there are peak seasons and times when tours and tickets for the Vatican Museums sell out quickly. The most crowded times are typical during the summer months (June-August) and around holidays such as Easter and Christmas. Additionally, the museums are often busy on weekends and during school holidays.

It’s highly recommended to book your tour or tickets in advance, especially during peak season and during holidays, as the number of visitors allowed inside the Vatican Museums is limited each day.

During these peak seasons and holidays, the museums and tours can sell out quickly, so it’s best to book as far in advance as possible to ensure that you are able to secure a spot on the tour or visit on the day you want.

It’s also important to note that on some days the Vatican Museums are closed, such as on Sundays (except the last Sunday of each month, when the museums are open and free of charge) and on religious holidays.

It’s always recommended to check the official Vatican Museums website for the most up-to-date information on the availability of tours and tickets, as well as the schedule of the museums and any closures.

Photography and videography are allowed inside the Vatican Museums, but there are some restrictions.

• Photography is allowed for personal use only, and images may not be used for commercial purposes.
• Flash photography and tripods are not allowed inside the museums.
• Photography is not allowed in certain areas such as the Sistine Chapel.
• Videography is allowed, but again, it’s for personal use only and not for commercial use.

it’s always recommended to check the official Vatican Museums website for the most updated information about photography and videography policy.

If you want you can choose a professional photography service from us during the booking process. And it comes with an extra charge.

It’s also worth noting that taking pictures of artworks is not the same as seeing them live, the colors and details are not captured by the camera, and the real experience is not the same.